ETI "Multicore Cable Tester" Project Gerber Files?

[Chris55000]

I am very interested in making the "Multicore Cable Tester Project" that appeared in Paul Stenning's Page of Old Projects, as I could use this for testing out cable–forms in old T & M and it appeals to me because it only requires ordinary TTL/CMOS and some discrete stuff to build it!

Unfortunately tho', the Gerber Files in ""*.GER" and "*.WRK" format don't appear to be usable by the low–cost PCB manufacturers, both PCB Way and JLC couldn't make sense of them!

The "Read Me" says they were produced using "Seetrax Ranger".

I tried tracing over one of the boards in Sprint Layout, which does produce Gerber Files that JLC can use, but two weeks @ one small board, and only ⅓ finished is a bit much for me!

Is there a quicker way of translating the supplied artwork or Gerber Files into something the cheap PCB houses can read, or will I have to find or buy an old copy of Seetrax Ranger from somewhere?

Chris Williams

[jamesperrett]

Have you tried checking to see what Viewmate makes of the Gerber files? I can't remember how much functionality the free version has but I know that it is possible to use Viewmate to modify Gerber files if you have the right version.

[Terry_VK5TM]

The files are Seetrax Ranger 2 files so Viewmate will open the .GER file but can't make sense of the other two (DCODE.txt and .wrk files).

If you can find somebody that downloaded the free CAD software giveaway from Elektor September 2008, there is a free pin limited program there that will open these files - Seetrax Ranger 2 XL.

With a bit of luck, you should be able to convert them to extended gerber files through that software.

Edit: Cancel above - found a copy and it only works with the original design files - it can't import the gerbers.

[woodchips]

I used, and still have Seetrax Ranger on a PC. The whole of my manufacturing area is currently being re-located in the house so not immediately usable.

I did find Seetrax to be a good PCB layout program, in dozens of boards never had one error or funny happening.

From a very hazy memory I seem to remember that the early versions, I think ver 2, didn't work on a resolution of 1 thou but something larger, possibly 5 thou. This might be why the other programs can't understand it?

Should have the master discs somewhere, again lurking somewhere in the move.

Update, just found the Ver3 discs, but these are Windows and I know that when I moved all my software to Windows 98 that I had so many problems I reverted back to DOS and presumably Ver 2.

If help need then let me know, but have to find everything! With the garage tidy up in Covid I know that is tricky!

[buggies]

I have converted the two Gerber copper files to RS-274X which Gerbview (in Kicad) can read. Note that the original files do not include any Gerber silk screen or drill details. Possibly the holes could all be drilled at 0.8mm (e.g. for ICs) and any fixings etc enlarged later.

[Chris55000]

Thanks for that George!

Chris Williams

[Terry_VK5TM]

Chris, in Sprint layout, import the files kindly converted by George, do a ctrl-a (select all) and you can set the hole size of all pads in one go.

Any that need to be different, such as mounting holes, can be changed individually after.

[Chris55000]

AH!

I didn't know that Sprint Layout could import Gerbers –Thanks Terry!

Chris Williams

[Terry_VK5TM]

You learn something new each day - but there are some catches:-

Sprint Layout can't import Gerbers generated by...... Sprint Layout.

Gerbers with polygon fills can look like a big blob of colour rather than what would be expected - cured by selecting the big polygon and going "delete"

Couple of other minor irritations with the Gerber import but easily worked around - ask if you come across one and can't sort it (text on a pcb you might want to modify for one - delete and replace).